Report says Blair was aware of CIA activities after 9/11

Former British prime minister was fully aware of secret kidnapping and interrogation programs by the CIA spy agency following the 9/11 attacks, says a security source.

The security source, whose name was not mentioned in the report, told the Telegraph that Tony Blair and his foreign secretary, Jack Straw, were fully briefed on CIA activities and were kept informed “every step of the way” by MI6 following the 9/11 attacks, in which nearly 3,000 people died.

“The politicians knew in detail about everything – the torture and the rendition. They could have said [to M16] ‘stop it, do not get involved’, but at no time did they,” the source added.

He noted that the two British politicians were also shown legal opinions by the administration of former US President George W. Bush that declared the so-called “enhanced interrogation” techniques such as water-boarding and stress positions to be legal.

“The Americans passed over the legal opinions saying that this was now ‘legal’ and our politicians were aware of what was going on at the highest possible level,” the source said.

The remarks echoed comments by the then MI6 chief, Sir Richard Dearlove, who said in a speech in 2012 that MI6’s cooperation with the CIA rendition program was a “political” decision.

MOS/HSN/SS

BBC ignores Israel’s killing of Palestinian kids

Yousef al-Shawamrah, 14, was shot in the back and hip with live ammunition near his village of Deir al-Asal al-Fawqa, which sits alongside Israel’s separation barrier, on March 19.

Shawamrah left home around 6:30 a.m. to forage for wild thistle, used in Palestinian cooking, along with two friends, 12-year-old Zahi and 17-year-old Muntaser. The boys planned to look for thistle in an area of land belonging to the village that now sits on the other side of the separation barrier.

As they crossed the barrier soldiers fired three shots without warning, Muntaser told DCI-Palestine in a sworn testimony. Another two bullets were fired, which hit Shawamrah in the hip and back as he tried to return through the barrier. Six soldiers, dressed in black fatigues and black face masks, then emerged from a group of olive trees less than 70 meters away, according to Muntaser.

An Israeli army spokesperson speaking to Ma’an News Agency alleged that the boys were attempting to sabotage Israel’s separation barrier, and “soldiers at the scene called them to distance themselves” before firing at their lower extremities. The Israeli military has yet to return Shawamrah’s body.

Eighty-five percent of the separation barrier and its planned route is located within the occupied West Bank and not along the Green Line, according to B’Tselem, an Israeli human rights organization. It results in grave violations of Palestinian rights by severely restricting freedom of movement, restricting access to private land and crucial services.

Shawamrah is the second Palestinian child killed from live ammunition fired by Israeli forces this year, according to data collected by DCI-Palestine. Over 1,400 Palestinian children have been killed as a result of Israeli military and settler presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory since 2000.

“According to the Israeli army’s own regulations, the use of live ammunition is only justified in circumstance of mortal danger,” said Rifat Kassis, executive director of DCI-Palestine.

“When a 14-year-old is shot with two live bullets from a distance of less than 100 meters, it must be presumed that the standard has not been met and the perpetrator must be held accountable.”

Shawamrah’s companions were detained briefly by the Israeli military and claim they were subject to ill-treatment. Muntaser told DCI-Palestine that he and Zahi were handcuffed, blindfolded and taken to a nearby Israeli settlement, where they were beaten after failing to respond to questions posed in Hebrew, which neither speaks.

They were transferred to an Israeli police station in the Israeli settlement of Kiryat Arba where they were interrogated, fingerprinted and had their pictures taken by Israeli authorities. At 5:00 p.m., 11 hours after they set out to pick thistle, they were dropped off at the Ramadin checkpoint, about seven kilometers (over four miles) from their homes.

Rifat Kassis added: “Once again, we are seeing the deadly consequences connected to the hyper-militarized environment of Israel’s prolonged occupation, in which children being children is enough to get them killed.”

To date, this shocking incident has not been covered by the BBC. In contrast, in the week prior to Yousef’s killing, BBC Online reported extensively on rockets fired out of Gaza, which resulted in no fatalities.

Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) wrote to BBC Online to ask why it had not even mentioned Israel’s killing of a Palestinian child, let alone report on it fully. We were told: “There is no mandate to report every killing.”

Once more, the BBC appears to be taking the position that the life of a Palestinian is worth less than that of an Israeli.

MOS/HSN

BJP-led Gov would be detrimental to religious minorities: Human Rights Commission

Several eminent officials and experts from both India and the US have told lawmakers that a BJP-led government at the center would be detrimental to the basic rights of the religious minorities in India.

Testifying before the influential Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the US Congress (TLHRC) on ‘The Plight of Religious Minorities in India’, the US Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Vice Chair Katrina Lantos on Friday said the USCIRF has been closely monitoring the situation in India.

“Many religious minority communities have reported to USCIRF that they fear that a BJP win, and the election of Narendra Modi as the country’s Prime Minister, will be detrimental to them and religious freedom. The BJP last led the national government between 1998 and 2004,” Lantos said.

“Between 2002 and 2004 USCIRF had recommended that the State Department designate India a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ (CPC) for the government’s systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom,” she said.

She said the USCIRF long has been concerned about the BJP’s and Modi’s close association with Hindu nationalist organizations.

“The activities of these groups, especially those with an extremist agenda or history of using violence against minorities, often negatively impact the status of religious freedom in the country,” she said.

Many of these groups exist under the banner of the Sangh Parivar, some 30 organisations including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

“Sangh Parivar entities aggressively press for governmental policies that would promote a Hindu nationalist agenda, and adhere in varying degrees to an ideology of Hindutva, which holds non-Hindus as foreign to India,” Lantos said.

Meanwhile, Congressman Tulsi Gabbard, the first ever Hindu lawmaker in the US Congress, questioned the timing of the Congressional hearing and alleged that its goal is to influence the Indian elections.

“I do not believe the timing of this hearing is a coincidence. The national elections in India begin on Monday and continue until May 12. I am concerned that the goal of this hearing is to influence the outcome of India’s national elections, which is not an appropriate role for the US Congress,” Gabbard said

Oscar Pistorius takes stand to give evidence in murder trial

Olympic athlete apologises to family of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp

Fighting back tears, Oscar Pistorius began giving evidence at his murder trial by apologising to the family of the girlfriend he shot dead.

The Olympic athlete also recalled the panic attacks he says he has suffered since he killed Reeva Steenkamp last year and described how he has nightmares that have caused him to wake up to the “smell of blood”.

“There hasn’t been a moment since this tragedy happened that I haven’t thought about your family,” the double-amputee runner said as he addressed the Pretoria courtroom and Ms Steenkamp’s mother June looked straight at him, stone-faced.

“I wake up every morning and you’re the first people I think of, the first people I pray for ... I was simply trying to protect Reeva. I can promise that when she went to bed that night she felt loved,” said Pistorius, stating the central part of his defence, that he shot Ms Steenkamp by mistake, thinking she was an intruder in his bathroom.

Pistorius killed Ms Steenkamp last year by shooting her in the head, arm and hip through a toilet door in his home. Prosecutors allege he intentionally killed her after a fight in the early hours of February 14, 2013 and have sought to paint him as a hothead with an inflated sense of entitlement and an obsession with firearms.

In his evidence, Pistorius also said he is on antidepressant medicine and has trouble sleeping, and described one night when he went to hide in a cupboard after waking up in “a panic”.

“I climbed into a cupboard and I phoned my sister to come and sit by me, which she did for a while,” Pistorius said.

His evidence came on the day his defence opened its case and after legal experts said it was crucial to his case that he testify to explain why he shot Ms Steenkamp. Pistorius faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted of premeditated murder for Ms Steenkamp’s killing.

He spoke in a soft, quavering voice while making his apology and describing what he said was his fragile state. At one point, Judge Thokozile Masipa asked him to speak more loudly.

Later, Pistorius grew more settled and confident as defence lawyer Barry Roux led him through questions about his childhood, his athletics career and how he overcame his disability to run at top track meets. Pistorius’s life story is one that impressed many people around the world, before he killed Ms Steenkamp.

Pistorius also described the positive effect his mother Sheila had on his life after he was born with a congenital condition and had to have his lower legs amputated when he was 11 months old, and the grief he felt at her death when he was a teenager.

But he also described how as a family they had “security concerns” and his mother slept with a gun under a pillow on her bed.

He was asked by Mr Roux to talk about a 2009 boat crash when he suffered serious facial injuries. He said the accident had a “massive impact”, causing him to become fearful, withdrawn, more vigilant about personal safety and more focused on his sporting career. He denied media reports at the time that he had been drinking alcohol before the boat accident.

Charlton's Champions reunite after 40 years for evening at Middlesbrough FC

Pictures: Jack Charlton and many of his legendary side from 1973-74 season get together for anniversary meal

The hairlines and midriffs may have changed a bit, but 40 years ago this line-up had few equals on the football pitch.

In the 1973-74 Division Two campaign, the Boro team managed by Jack Charlton stormed to promotion, winning the league by a record 15 point margin.

They caused record after record to tumble - the highest ever points total (65); Boro’s longest unbeaten league run (24 games); their best defensive record (just 30 goals against).

And 40 years on from that stunning campaign, most of the team - and even the management - reunited for a very special celebration dinner, organised by the Middlesbrough Former Players Association.

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Doug Moody Photography

Gallery: Charlton's Champions - 1973/74 2nd Division title-winning team

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The boss, Jack Charlton, was there, with his trusted assistant Ian McFarlane; Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness, looking tanned and fit, turned up too.

And legendary centre-forward John Hickton was back leading the forward line, alongside fellow hot-shots Alan Foggon and David Mills.

Only midfielder Bobby Murdoch, who died in 2001, and centre-half Willie Maddren, who lost his brave battle with motor neurone disease in 2000, weren’t there.

But their massive contributions were also remembered on a night of pure nostalgia.

“Charlton’s Champions” plied their trade at Ayresome Park, but it was The Riverside Stadium which hosted the reunion dinner.

And goalkeeper Jim Platt, who missed just two league games between the sticks during that ‘73-74 campaign and was the main organiser for Friday night’s dinner, said it was a very special occasion.

He added: “We always try to have one or two dinners every year, but we wanted to do something a bit special for the 40 years.

“It was great to see everyone and remember some good times. And they were good times - not just in the Second Division, but in following seasons too.

"Don’t forget, on Boxing Day the next season, we were second in Division One - we were a decent side.

“And in those days, because you only had one substitute, we usually just took 13 players to away games, so we were a very close bunch.”

Jim says everyone he phoned was eager to attend the evening.

He added: “It was a fantastic night and brilliant to see old colleagues looking fit and healthy.”

Northern League: Synthonia's Sweet unwraps the Durham City defence

Michael Sweet struck twice in the first four minutes as Billingham Synthonia won at Durham City

Michael Sweet struck twice in the first four minutes as Billingham Synthonia won at a Durham City side above them in the Northern League first division table.

The visitors were straight out of the blocks, Sweet unwrapping the visitors’ defence by pouncing on two minutes.

Before Durham could draw breath, they were hit again, Jack Bradbury setting up Sweet to fire home from around 12 yards.

And Sweet was denied a hat-trick towards the end of the game when his drive was cleared off the line by Stephen Harrison.

Synthonia are in 10th place, two points behind Durham.

Guisborough remain fourth despite going down 2-1 at Dunston, the home side winning with a last minute goal after Guisborough were reduced to 10 men.

Stephen Goddard struck for Dunston, but Adam Gell levelled after the visitors went down to 10 men on 80 minutes when Tommy Marron was injured after all the substitutes had been used.

But deep in added time Dan Wilson plundered a winner.

Marske keeper Robert Dean had a superb game in the 1-1 home draw with Bishop Auckland.

In Division Two, Ged Livingstone hit a hat-trick as Thornaby won 5-3 at Brandon. The Teesside side’s other goals came from David Wells who netted twice.

Norton beat Whitehaven 3-2, while Stokesley lost 3-1 at home to South Shields, the home side’s goal coming from Greg Peel.

West Auckland kept up the Northern League’s proud FA Vase record by reaching the Wembley final. The trophy, last year won by Spennymoor, could stay with the league after West won 2-1 at East Midlands Counties side Saint Andrews to win the two-legged tie by the same scoreline, after the first leg finished goalless.

Middlesbrough RC match champions as Teesside trio face destiny

There will be joy or heartache for Teesside rugby teams with the final games of the league season

Prepare for a nailbiter - with the final games of the league season there will be joy or heartache for Teesside teams.

Despite good results on Saturday, Middlesbrough must win this coming weekend to stand a chance of beating the drop, while Billingham almost certainly also need to win.

And Guisborough face a tense time as they seek a promotion play-off slot.

Middlesbrough showed the progress they have made in recent weeks by storming into a 19-0 Acklam Park lead against North One East leaders Cleckheaton. But the visitors, who have already sealed the title, hit back to draw 19-19.

That leaves Middlesbrough needing a win - possibly with maximum bonus points - to avoid relegation. That game is at Alnwick, who could go down if Boro beat them.

Middlesbrough started Saturday’s game with the wind, and hard tackling earned them the upper hand.

Skipper Rob Bellerby struck with a try after five minutes, Simon O’Farrell converting. Then on 20 minutes, winger Michael Thornburn cut inside to score, with O’Farrell again on target.

Five minutes later, Ash Kearney scored in the opposite corner following a drive from the forwards. But Boro conceded a converted try on the half hour, then another try on the stroke of half time. They tried to hang on to the 19-12 lead, but Cleckheaton levelled on 60 minutes, and while Boro gained a good draw, the resurgence of Sheffield keeps them in the bottom three with one to play.

Billingham’s position in National Three North is almost as precarious.

They probably need to beat high-flying Huddersfield at Greenwood Road next week to be safe. But if they show the spirit and ability that earned them a 17-10 win at Burnage on Saturday they have every chance.

“We had to field a young patched up side, but they stood up to be counted, and deserved their win,” said director of rugby Stewart Evans.

“When you are only one score ahead, the opposition keep coming at you, but the lads stood firm, defending five metres out late on.”

Peter Evans scored a try, a conversion and a penalty, the other try coming from Danny Dixon.

Guisborough lost 18-17 at Consett, who could yet grab the play-off spot in Durham and North One. One more point would have ensured that Guisborough were in the driving seat going into the final game at home to Novos.

And coach Trevor Edwards feels his side were hard done by. “We had three tries disallowed, and two should definitely have stood,” he said. “But the referee wasn’t in a position to see clearly, and we have to accept that.”

Liam Corcoran, Dave Wardell and Phil Shields scored tries and Wardell kicked a conversion.

Stockton played well but went down 29-26 at home to Darlington. In the first half Martin Dixon scored a try, converted by Jeremy Good, who kicked two penalties. A further Good penalty and tries for Joel Simpson and Steve Taylor completed Stockton’s scoring.

In Division Two, Redcar lost 43-21 at Barnard Castle, after the Seasiders led 21-19 at the break, with tries from Richie Young, Danny McIlvenny and James Allison, all converted by Danny Addison.

But Redcar had struggled to field a side and their front row totalled almost 150 in years, so tired bodies struggled in the second half.

In Division Three Yarm lost 42-29 at home to Seaham, while in Yorkshire One, Acklam lost 56-24 at Pontefract.

Convicted killer Derek Chesworth is located by police

Derek Chesworth, jailed in 1989 for murder. was wanted for prison recall for failing to comply with his licence terms

A convicted murderer wanted for prison recall for failing to comply with his licence terms has been found.

Derek Chesworth, who was originally jailed in 1989 for murder and was released in 2008, was located on Friday, April 4th.

Police had first appealed for help on March 26th.

He was also wanted in connection with an alleged drugs offence.

A statement from Cleveland Police said; "Police have located a 63-year-old man who was wanted for recall to prison.

"The man was located on Friday and was also spoken to by officers in relation to a drugs offence.

"He was given a caution and he has been recalled to prison under the terms of his licence."

Meat production doubled in Gujarat in 10 years

The Bharatiya Janata Party’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi may have overlooked Gujarat’s contribution to the increase in India’s meat production during his tirade against the Congress at election rallies in Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

Data compiled by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry from Gujarat’s Pollution Control Board reveals that meat production in the State, under Mr. Modi, more than doubled in 10 years.

Gujarat produced 22,000 tonnes of meat in 2010-11 against 10,600 tonnes of meat in 2001-02. During the same period, India’s meat production grew from 18,59,430 tonnes to 48,69,000 tonnes, or by 163%.

With 39 abattoirs, which slaughters over 1,000 animals a day, Gujarat is amongst the top 10 States in India in terms of the number of slaughterhouses.

During his campaign, the BJP leader accused the Congress of promoting cow slaughter. “We brought in the white revolution in the country, but the Congress wants a pink revolution,” Mr. Modi said in Ghaziabad on Thursday, referring to the meat industry.

The alarmist spin Mr. Modi sought to put on the livestock sector in rural India, resulting from rising meat exports, may be unwarranted. Data reveals that overall, export of dairy products is growing faster.

Data made available by the Agriculture & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority shows that buffalo meat exports grew 27% in 2012-13 over the previous year. This rate of growth was, however, 10 percentage points slower than the rate at which exports from the entire animal products sector rose.

New Marske double lung swap operation mum celebrates amazing 15-year milestone

Vicky Petterson, 43, is all set to mark her double lung transplant milestone in style with a party with friends and family

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Vicky Petterson

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A New Marske mum with cystic fibrosis has broken medical boundaries by today celebrating 15 years since her double lung transplant.

Now 43-year-old Vicky Petterson is all set to mark the milestone in style with a party with friends and family.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease caused by a faulty gene.

The gene controls the movement of salt and water in and out of your cells, so the lungs and digestive system become clogged with mucus, making it hard to breathe and digest food.

Although those with cystic fibrosis are living longer lives due to improved treatment, the average age someone with CF is expected to live to is 41.

Vicky was diagnosed at age three and was on the waiting list for a transplant by the time she was 22.

Before her transplant in April 1999 at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital, she was very unwell and dependent on oxygen. Her son Anthony was five.

She said: “I hoped that following the transplant I would live long enough for him to remember me.

“He’s 20 now.

“I just hoped for him to remember his mum, but to be able to still be here when he’s gone to uni...

“I had no idea it could ever be possible.”

Vicky, who is a committee member for the Freeman Heart and Lung Transplant Association (FHLTA), says that the maximum CF sufferers are expected to live after a lung transplant is 15 years.

Vicky has had “chronic rejection” of the lungs - meaning that damage has been caused to them and function is down to around 60 or 70%. She also needs to use insulin and has digestion problems.

However, Vicky, who lives with her husband Erik, 42, an area manager, is generally well, mainly, she says, through keeping active.

Vicky, who as part of her role for FHLTA encourages transplantees to take part in sport, said: “I still run and I still cycle.

“For all I do have the damage, the reason I’m so well is that I’m still active. I keep myself well.

“By keeping active you keep yourself as well as possible.

“I don’t think people realise the possibilities of donation - even us.

“When I was on the list we thought it may improve the quality of my life for a small time - I had no idea that it would give me a new life.

“It doesn’t just improve the quality of people’s lives but saves them.”

Vicky also says that she’d consider a second transplant if needed and given the opportunity.

“You certainly can’t just take it for granted but I would definitely be up for a second one,” said Vicky.

“I know people who haven’t had one done through fear and died.

“But my biggest fear was dying without being given the chance.

“I grew up thinking that once I was poorly the next option is to get a transplant.”

Vicky is now appealing for people to register to donate their organs - but also to let their families know about their wishes.

She said: “It’s brilliant to sign up to the register but it’s also most important to speak to your next of kin about it who can make any surgeons aware that that was your wish. That’s the key thing really - you need to let your family know your wishes as in the end it’s up to them to make the donation.”

ON November 26, 2009, the Evening Gazette launched - and continues to run - its Become A Donor campaign, urging Teessiders to sign up to the organ donor register. Last year, a record 1,323 people in the UK donated their organs after death. And nearly 3,500 patients received the transplant they desperately needed.

When we launched our appeal in 2009, 123,176 Teessiders - only 22% of the population - were on the register. By 2012, an extra 42,000 of you had signed up. Visit http://ift.tt/X6Lq9t or call 0300 123 23 23.

NATO to boost military presence in Poland: Warsaw

Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk says NATO will reinforce its military presence in the country in the coming weeks.

“The strengthening of NATO’s presence (in Poland), also military presence, has become a fact and will be visible in the coming days, weeks,” Tusk said on Saturday in the capital Warsaw.

He added, “The discussion is not about if, but rather about the scale, pace and some technical aspects of strengthening Poland’s security.”

Last month, the United States strengthened its presence in Poland by increasing its military exercises and sending 12 F-16 fighter jets along with 300 personnel to the country.

The US is also determined to install its missile shield in the eastern European country by 2018.

On April 1-2, NATO foreign ministers held meetings in Brussels to discuss steps to reinforce military presence in member states in Eastern Europe following Crimea’s reunification with Russia.

The steps include measures such as sending NATO soldiers and equipment to allies and holding more exercises in the region.

On Thursday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called on NATO to explain its recently announced plans to intensify activities in Eastern Europe.

“We have posed these questions to the North Atlantic Alliance. We are expecting not just any answer but an answer fully respectful of the rules we have coordinated,” Lavrov said.

Tensions between Western powers and Moscow heightened after Crimea declared independence from Ukraine and formally applied to become part of the Russian Federation following a referendum on March 16, in which 96.8 percent of the participants voted for rejoining Russia.

Crimea’s referendum sparked angry reactions from the United States and the European Union, both imposing sanctions against a number of Russian officials and authorities in Crimea.

MSM/NN/AS

Hertel cleans up again with major nuclear deal

Hertel is growing its presence in the nuclear sector with a two-year contract from CapenHurst Nuclear Services

Award-winning Middlesbrough company Hertel is growing its presence in the nuclear sector with a two-year contract from CapenHurst Nuclear Services (CNS).

The maintenance and construction services firm will remove asbestos from sites occupied by CNS, which is a centre of excellence for the management of nuclear materials, decommissioning and recycling near Chester.

Hertel , which employs more than 1,000 in the North-east, was last week named Company of the Year at the Teesside heat of the North East Business Awards 2014.

It has worked on the Sellafield site for more than 20 years and other sites including Wylfa, Dungeness A, Hunterston A and Trawsfynydd.

It was recently recognised by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), for developing a system of categorising and segregating more than 250 tonnes of nuclear site asbestos, which saved the UK taxpayer £1.3m in disposal costs.

The latest contract will involve Hertel removing asbestos from former plant areas occupied by CNS and cleaning residual asbestos contamination from the structure of the building, which is used for the safe and secure management of materials.

The delivery of the work is expected to last up to two years, carried out by a Hertel team of up to 40.

Alan Gosling, Hertel’s regional director, said: “We are able to demonstrate our capability of safely stripping and managing the asbestos material at Capenhurst Nuclear Services by bringing our experience of working in radiological environments previously at sites such as Sellafield, Wylfa and Trawsfynydd.”

David Slater, Capenhurst Nuclear Services managing director, added: “The successful delivery of this project will support Capenhurst Nuclear Services in its mission to provide responsible materials management in a manner which is safe and compliant and to the highest possible standards.”

Global industrial services provider Hertel, which was founded in 1895 and employs 13,000 globally, established its UK operations in 1975 with a head office in Middlesbrough. It is now headquartered at Middlehaven.

The company is gearing up for the wave of new nuclear plants in the UK and is experienced in nuclear construction, maintenance and decommissioning.

It also reached a major safety milestone earlier this year, with more than 10 million hours worked without a major accident. Most of the Middlesbrough-based employees work in hazardous environments such as oil and gas refineries, chemical plants and nuclear sites, where safe working practices are crucial.

See tomorrow’s Business Supplement for a special report on the Teesside heat of our business awards.

Manufacturers set the pace for Export Week

Manufacturers are reporting the best set of overseas sales and orders figures ever recorded by the region's largest business survey

North-east firms have provided a postive start to Export Week - which runs from today until Friday - with manufacturers reporting the best set of overseas sales and orders figures ever recorded by the region’s largest business survey.

Business optimism across the North-east continues to rise as firms delivered another boost for the regional economy at the start of 2014, reporting an upsurge in trade with foreign markets.

The North East Chamber of Commerce’s Quarterly Economic Survey, produced in partnership with Barclays, today reveals orders, sales and exports have risen to unprecedented levels for the QES and that firms remain focused on recruitment and capital investment.

The latest update shows confidence in the manufacturing sector - in particular, export sales and orders are looking good for the sector, boding well for further progress.

The QES is a trends survey that shows the health and direction of the North-east economy. Measured across 11 separate indicators, any score above zero indicates trading conditions are improving.

Across Teesside the QES figure for export sales doubled to 14.8 in the first quarter of 2014 with export orders also rising to 22.2.

Having charted slow but steady growth across most indicators throughout 2013, the last quarter returned the best set of results since 2003. And although these high levels could not be matched in the first quarter of 2014, the NECC said today’s figures demonstrate that confidence levels remain incredibly high.

NECC policy and research manager Mark Stephenson said: “It is always good to start the year on a positive note and these export figures are particularly good news at the start of Export Week. To achieve the best ever figures for export sales and orders for manufacturing companies is a real cause for celebration.

“2013 provided the foundations for economic growth and the last two quarters prove that business remains at the forefront of the recovery.”

Darlington-based SOLO TI, which specialises in the design, development and manufacture of life-saving thermal imaging equipment, is one North-east firm to have seen growth in its overseas market.

Its clients include NASA, a number of cruise liner companies and several Formula One teams.

Managing director Victoria McLaren said: “It’s fair to say that 2102 was a slow year for us but things have improved significantly and we have seen real growth across our cruise market over the last 12 months, along with the Middle East, which bodes well for our future.”

UK Trade & Investment’s fifth Export Week starts today and will offer help and advice to companies across the country.

Find out more at http://ift.tt/PrUF3K.

Nathaniel Chalobah: Boro playing for pride and to prepare flying start to next season

Nathaniel Chalobah says Boro is 'one of best changing rooms I've been in, all the boys are fantastic'

Match winning midfielder Nathanial Chalobah says Boro are playing for pride as this term winds down - and to prepare a flying start next season.

The on-loan Chelsea man sealed a 1-0 win over Derby with his first goal for Boro on Saturday and insisted the team want to stage a barn-storming finish.

“It’s easy to say there is nothing to play for at this stage and we’re just seeing out the season now but that’s not how we see it,” he said. “For the players, the backroom staff, all the people who work for the club it is far more than that.

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Katie Lunn

Boro v Derby match action

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“As far as we are concerned we are playing for pride, playing for the club, playing for ourselves, and playing for all the people who turn up every week to watch us.

“So we can go into the last six games with a lot of confidence and plenty to play for. It’s important we finish in a strong position because that leads on into next season.”

Chalobah says he is happy at Boro but hasn’t thought yet about a Riverside return next season.

“I don’t know,” he said. “I have to let Mr Mourinho make that decision and we haven’t had that chat yet.

“But I’m definitely enjoying it here. It’s one of best changing rooms I’ve been in, all the boys are fantastic and the staff are fantastic.”

Redcar Bears double win marred by moment of madness from Richard Hall

Josh Auty brought down Richard Hall, who got to his feet, then went over and launched a kick at his also-fallen opponent

A moment of madness from Richard Hall marred an otherwise excellent performance as Redcar Bears completed a quick-fire League Cup double with a 50-37 victory at Scunthorpe yesterday.

The Ecco Finishing Bears hammered the Scorpions 63-27 at the South Tees Motorsports Park last Thursday and the return had all the makings of a ding-dong battle until a dramatic heat seven which removed both former Redcar favourite Josh Auty and Hall from the meeting.

Auty, who spent 2009 and 2010 on Teesside, brought down Hall, who got to his feet, then went over and launched a kick at his also-fallen opponent.

The referee immediately fined the Redcar racer before excluding him from the rest of the match, while Auty went off in an ambulance for treatment on a knee injury.

At that point the home side led 18-17 but, despite the short-handed Bears being forced to track just one rider in three subsequent races, Jitendra Duffill’s side rallied with Richard Lawson, Aaron Summers, Hugh Skidmore and Jan Graversen all being paid for double figures.

Bears team manager Duffill explained: “The meeting was pretty close until heat seven and that proved a big turning point.

“Richard was in pain - he’s only just got over this shoulder injury - and was still a bit angry about being taken off (by Auty) at Redcar last Thursday I think.

“He’s acted on impulse but in no way can anyone condone his actions.

“He knows he was in the wrong, was silly and quite rightly he was fined and expelled from the meeting.

“He’s very sorry for what he did and now wishes to make a public apology.”

SCORPIONS: Ryan Douglas 12+1, David Howe 8+1, Leigh Lanham (guest) 7+2, Thomas Jorgensen 5, Ashley Birks 3, Matt Williamson 2, Josh Auty 0

BEARS: Richard Lawson 13, Aaron Summers 10+3, Hugh Skidmore 10, Jan Graversen 8+2, Carl Wilkinson 6, Luke Crang 2, Richard Hall 1+1

Hartlepool plunge into the bottom half of League Two

After chasing a play-off spot a month ago, Hartlepool may need another win to stay clear of the drop zone

After chasing a play-off spot a month ago, Hartlepool have now plunged into the bottom half of League Two and may need another win to stay clear of the drop zone.

Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Portsmouth leaves Colin Cooper’s side with work to do, and he said:

“The first half performance was not acceptable.

“In the second half we stood our ground a bit better. We have one month to play for our futures.”

Portsmouth eased their relegation fears with an Adam Webster goal on two minutes, and two minutes later Pools’ keeper Andy Rafferty saved a Ryan Taylor penalty, conceded by Christian Burgess, who is on loan from Boro.

POOLS: Rafferty, Duckworth, Collins, Burgess (Harrison 77), Holden, Barmby (Franks 65), Walton, Walker, Compton (Hawkins 46), Poole, James. Subs: Rowbotham, Richards, Jones, Oliver.

Darlington look almost certain to seal a play-off spot

Darlington beat Radcliffe Borough 3-0 at Heritage Park with goals from Nathan Fisher, Ian Ward and substitute David Dowson

Darlington look almost certain to seal a play-off spot after their 3-0 win over Radcliffe Borough at Heritage Park.

Goals from Nathan Fisher, Ian Ward and substitute David Dowson earned the home side an easy win, and a top five finish in the Evo-Stik League Division One North looks secure.

Quakers want to finish runner-up to Curzon Ashton to try and set themselves up to earn back to back promotions.

Goals on 19, 34 and 74 minutes took the side’s tally for the season to 89.

QUAKERS: Bell, Tait, Hunter, Galbraith, Walker, Scott, Brown, A Mitchell (Hopson 66), Thompson, Fisher (Dowson 61), Ward (Purewal 46). Subs (not used): Jameson, White.

Controversial pay and display parking charges to start in Yarm in three weeks

Pay and display meters form part of £500,000 of works to high street announced, which also includes improving lighting and paving

Controversial pay and display parking charges will start in Yarm in three weeks - ending a long and bitter battle to put the brakes on the unpopular scheme.

Stockton Council has confirmed the new Traffic Regulation Orders for the town will come into effect on Monday, April 28.

But, after consultation with residents and businesses, the authority has increased the initial free period to park from 20 minutes to an hour.

After that the charge will be £1 for two hours, then £1 for every hour thereafter, applicable Monday to Saturday between 9am and 5pm inclusive.

Charges will not apply on Sundays or Bank Holidays. There will also be no maximum stay.

A review of the impacts of the scheme is to be conducted six months after implementation.

The move, to introduce parking charges to Yarm's historic high street was agreed by Stockton Council’s Cabinet in December 2011.

The authority said pay and display charges would give more flexibility to motorists and “alleviate the enforcement burden” for the current disc zone.

But it angered businesses and councillors in Yarm, who warned it could hit the town’s economy.

A legal challenge launched by Yarm Town Council in 2012 was thrown out by the High Court last year, but managed to delay the implementation of the scheme.

Stockton Council is also negotiating with land owners to provide 80 new long-stay parking spaces near Yarm high street.

It has submitted planning applications for two car parks, each with around 40 spaces.

One will be based off Silver Street, behind Barclays Bank, and another behind the Blue Bell pub on the Egglescliffe side of Yarm Bridge.

Louise Baldock, Labour candidate for Stockton South, said: “I had hoped the council would be able to bring in the long-stay off-street parking the town needs before any scheme was brought in, not least because it might have proved unnecessary. However, at least this too is moving forward now.”

The pay and display meters form part of £500,000 of works to the high street announced in February, which also includes improving lighting and paving.

The council said it had worked closely with Yarm Town Council and the Chamber of Trade over the changes.

But as reported, a row has now erupted over plans to replace cobbles from parking bays behind the town hall, through to Central Street, with granite setts and York stone. Opponents say the move will “radically change the look and feel” of the high street.

Stockton South Conservative MP James Wharton said: “Stockton Council should think again and must not push ahead with charges until we at least know new long-stay parking had been secured. Residents, traders and local councillors have opposed these charges every step of the way.

"Their legitimate concerns should not be ignored by a few arrogant Labour councillors who do not even live in Yarm. There is still time to stop this scheme. If they don’t and it damages our high street economy, the council will not be quickly forgiven.”

Puma spotted by train driver near Stockton among reported Teesside 'big cat' sightings

There have been four reports of big cats on Teesside, according to details released under Freedom of Information laws

Pumas and panthers have made the North-east their prowling ground – if you believe the public.

Cleveland Police officers have looked into four reports of big cats on Teesside, according to details released under Freedom of Information laws.

The figure was among 102 such reports of black panther-like creatures spotted across the UK since 2011.

They range from a train driver near Stockton who saw a puma in a field from his cab, to a 14-year-old girl who reported seeing a “black panther” in Stillington.

The other two sightings, both in Stockton, included a “very large black cat, possibly a puma”, prowling the popular woodland park Castle Eden Walkway, and a “big cat that looked like a puma” on Concorde Way.

But experts said the evidence for big cats in Britain was shaky at best and that most sightings were probably “mistaken identity”.

However, Ian Bond, an ecologist from Darlington who has sifted through more than 200 big cat reports, said he would be surprised if there weren’t some real sightings out there.

He said: “Over the years I’ve had good, plausible sightings by people who are familiar with wildlife and had something to judge the scale by.

“Last year, customs seized eight big cats being smuggled into the country illegally. Who’s to say they seize all of them?”

He cited a European lynx nicknamed the “Beast of Barnet” caught alive in North London in 2001 – one of the few watertight cases of big cats in Britain.

But he said most sightings are probably “mistaken identity”, and claimed there cannot be enough of the beasts to breed.

But a statement from the RSPCA said: “Stories such as this, which occur from time to time across Britain, are perplexing.

“The evidence to suggest that colonies of big cats are living and breeding in Britain is scarce to say the least.”

And Dr Joan Harvey, a senior lecturer in psychology at Newcastle University, claimed people may see what they want or expect to see. She said: “We all like a little bit of a mystery that doesn’t actually threaten us or impinge on us. It stirs the imagination. I wouldn’t belittle people who’ve seen big cats at all, but your perception can play tricks.”

'When Nate plays like that he can play for Chelsea or any team': Karanka pleased with Nathaniel Chalobah

Karanka believes that if he applies himself consistently, Chalobah has the raw talent to play at the very highest level in just about any position

Boro’s matchwinner against Derby was Nathaniel Chalobah, who coolly slotted home a 69th minute shot to edge a tight game.

Head coach Aitor Karanka was pleased with the 19-year-old’s contribution, especially after dropping the Chelsea starlet following a poor performance at Huddersfield.

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Katie Lunn

Nathaniel Chalobah

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“Nate is a good player when he gives 100%,” said the Boro boss. “He made mistakes in past games and because of that he didn’t play against Brighton but when Nate plays like he did against Derby he can play for Chelsea or any team.”

Karanka believes that if he applies himself consistently, Chalobah has the raw talent to play at the very highest level in just about any position on the pitch.

Boro are back in action against Birmingham tomorrow night at the Riverside.

Karanka doesn’t expect to have any players back from injury for the visit of the Blues, though Dani Ayala and Jonathan Woodgate could be fit for Saturday’s trip to Burnley.

The head coach expects another committed display from his players as he looks to end the campaign in style and set the benchmark for next season.

“The best way to prepare for next season is to win every game,” he said.

'Winning is always the most important thing': Karanka believes bright future beckons for Boro

'This team has shown me that it's a winning team and we can build a team for the future with a very good mentality and with very good players'

Aitor Karanka believes the future’s looking brighter following his side’s victories over high-flying Derby and Brighton.

Saturday’s 1-0 win against Steve McClaren’s Rams means Boro have won back-to-back games in the Championship for the first time since January 18.

Once again, Karanka’s men kept a clean sheet and they’ve now achieved 13 shut-outs in the last 20 fixtures and the head coach believes that bodes well for the future.

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Katie Lunn

Boro v Brighton match action

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Boro are 11 points adrift of the play-off places with just six games remaining, so promotion is not a realistic option.

But a bid to escape the Championship next season seems an achievable aim if the club can beef up the attack in the summer.

“This team has shown me that it’s a winning team and we can build a team for the future with a very good mentality and with very good players,” said Karanka.

“When you keep a clean sheet it shows that the team is working very well, the players are working very well. And, of course, it means that when you only score one goal you can win games. In football, winning is always the most important thing.

“We’ve only won two of the last four or five games at home but I think we deserve to have won more of them so I’m glad to have won.

“We deserved to win at home, not against QPR in the last match, but against Nottingham Forest, Leeds and Blackburn before that and we didn’t win.”

Nikki Conroy 20 Year Memorial event raises over £5,000 for charity

Event attended by hundreds of Nikki's family and friends marked 20th anniversary of day she was killed by classroom intruder at Hall Garth School

The parents of Nikki Conroy are thrilled that a memorial night held in honour of their beloved daughter has raised more than £5,000 for charity.

The Nikki Conroy 20 Year Memorial - Let’s Celebrate Her Life event was held on Friday, March 28 to mark the 20th anniversary of the day she was killed by a classroom intruder at Hall Garth School in Middlesbrough.

The 12-year-old was killed in a horrific stabbing at the Acklam school which also injured fellow schoolgirls Emma Winter and Michelle Reeve.

The event, organised by Nikki’s boyfriend at the time, Lee Bowes, and friend, David Paul, was held at Liberty’s in Town on Linthorpe Road and hundreds of Nikki’s family and friends attended.

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Nikki Conroy memorial party

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Soul singer George Williamson and DJ David Dunn entertained guests. There was also an auction and a raffle.

The money raised will be divided between two charities of the Conroy’s choice and a Middlesbrough girl with cystic fibrosis, Jessica Bedford, who is fundraising for a vibrating bed.

Zoe’s Place baby and children’s hospice in Normanby will receive £2,100; the Great North Air Ambulance will get £2,000; and Jessica’s fund will be boosted by £1,000.

Nikki’s mum Diane, 64, who lives in Acklam with her husband Peter, 63, said: “We think it’s marvellous.”

Diane, who also has a son John, 37, added: “The night Lee and David organised was wonderful and everyone made Nikki proud.

“We think it’s great that it will be going towards two local charities and a local girl who needs help to get a vibrating bed - that’s wonderful.”

David, 33, from Acklam, said: “It’s a lot more than we were hoping to raise.

“We just wanted to raise as much as we could.

“It was good for the town to come together, even people who didn’t know Nikki came to show their support and put their money towards the cause.

“It was a good turnout.”

David said he and Lee have been in talks with Diane and Peter Conroy to set up a charity fund in Nikki’s name.

“It’s something we’re looking at doing so we can carry on raising money for charity in her memory,” added David, who is married to Caren and has two children, Lauren, five, and Ayden, four.